Fun, Family-Approved Basement Designs

Turn your forgotten basement into a lively family room for over-the-top movie nights, pool tournaments and game nights.

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October 08, 2020

By: Emily Fazio

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Photo By: Perry & Co., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Lucy Call

Photo By: Edina Realty, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Duckworth Interiors

Photo By: EDYTA & CO.

Photo By: Lauren Rubinstein

Photo By: Stephanie Diani / Cineflix

Photo By: Nadia Molinari

Photo By: Christopher Dibble

Photo By: Nadia Molinari

Photo By: Andre Bernard

Classic Movie-Night Basement

Large photos of two of the biggest stars of the 1950s — Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra — paired with bold orange furnishings, a popular color in that same time period, make for a cozy spot to introduce the kids to some classic movies.

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Lower-Level Family Room

A rare feature in many homes, the high ceiling in this contemporary basement helps it feel more like a room in a modern loft. A large sectional sofa offers plenty of seating, while a wet bar with a sink and fridge provides a space for serving snacks.

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From: Perry & Co. and Luxury Portfolio International®

Virtual School Setup

Whether working to create a designated space for homeschooling or simply provide your family more room to spread out for crafts, a well-organized basement bonus room can make a big difference. Include desks as well as comfortable seating options, and bulletin boards or open shelving to add order to the room.

See More Photos: 10 Ideas for Setting Up a Homeschooling Room (Plus, Scheduling Tips)

Rustic Contemporary Game Room

Reclaimed wood walls, ceiling beams and wide-plank flooring deliver a relaxing mountain-retreat aesthetic. Industrial-style light fixtures are paired with whimsical rope floor lamps. A game table and Ping Pong table provide places to play.

See More Photos: Countryside Escapes: Rustic Bunkhouse in Montana Mountains

From: LMK Interior Design

Bright Family Room

This big basement was refinished to provide lots of space for the whole family. Made cozy with carpeted floors, light paint and wooden accents throughout, its setup suits game night or movie night. Recessed lights are an easy way to add extra light to a dark space, but this basement is lucky to also have natural sources of light.

From: Edina Realty Home Services Exceptional Properties Division and Luxury Portfolio International®

Plentiful Game Room

Designed to host many types of game night activities including shuffleboard, air hockey and poker, this well-equipped game room makes the most of the space. The room incorporates hardwood flooring, built-in storage, a wall-mount TV and a focal-point wall covered in teal patterned wallpaper.

See More Photos: Packed-With-Fun Game Room Ideas for All Ages

From: Duckworth Interiors

Sophisticated Rec Room and Bar

The different zones of this open-floor-plan, walk-out basement flow together harmoniously with the use of wallpaper, paint colors and swanky light fixtures. The subtle use of bold hues on the sofa, wall art and draperies help add a burst of personality to the space.

From: EDYTA & CO. Interior Design

Family-Friendly Craft Space

This family-friendly basement provides comfortable seating and plenty of space for kids to play and craft. The room incorporates must-have media components, as well as a gas fireplace, and a desk for the family to use for homework or playtime. The bright rug is comprised of individual carpet tiles that can be easily cleaned or swapped out when necessary.

See More Photos: 30 Imaginative Kids' Playrooms

From: Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs, Inc.

Industrial Rec Room

This lower-level rec room boasts plenty of comfortable family-friendly seating as well as stylish contemporary design elements. The exposed ceiling rafters are painted black to help the space feel taller and add to the industrial vibe, while bold splashes of orange lend a touch of fun and whimsy.

Boho Art Studio

A custom mural and polished concrete floors set the tone in this colorful finished basement. Vintage furnishings, including a large easel, provide a space for the family to relax and be creative.

Kid-Approved Family Room

A mix of colors was used on the walls, doors and molding to highlight the architecture in this remodeled basement. Because this space is most often used as a playroom, the designers used black chalkboard paint so the kids could use the walls to express their creativity.

See More Photos: Our Top Chalkboard Paint Ideas

High-End Home Theater

Exposed brick and an illuminated tray ceiling make this home theater feel like anything but a remodeled basement. Luxurious leather sofas, a ceiling-mounted projector, and custom lighting transform the room into a space where a family can gather to celebrate an awards night, view movie premieres or watch the big game.

A Window on the Swimming Pool

This modern basement playroom has all the elements that make it a surefire win with the under-10 crowd — it even incorporates an underground window looking into the swimming pool. The tall ceilings, modern furnishings and bright walls further differentiate it from any ordinary basement.

See More Photos: 45 Small-Space Kids' Playroom Design Ideas

Family-Ready Family Room

A comfortable basement family room starts with a sofa for the whole family. Outfitted with extra pillows and accessible games and instruments, this space is ready for a Saturday night jam sesh or movie night with the kids.

Supersized Media Room

Love sports? Your family and guests can tune into three events simultaneously in this copious basement media room. It incorporates three large wall-mounted screens, as well as multiple seating options including a live-edge wood bar and a dining area.

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From: Leslie Lamarre

Concert Venue

This redesigned basement offers the family a space to let their kids play and perform. It includes a built-in stage with a curtain and lighting, a jukebox for added ambience and bean-bag front row seats. It's a miniature performing arts center that concert-goers and performers alike won't soon forget.

See More Photos: Play Time: Kids' Bedrooms and Playrooms With Punch